2012 Rakhine State riots by rohingya terrorists ~ ROHINGYA TERRORISTS

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2012 Rakhine State riots are a series of ongoing conflicts between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine in northern Rakhine State, Myanmar. The riots came after weeks of sectarian disputes and have been condemned by most people on both sides of the conflict.^[1] The immediate cause of the riots is unclear, with many commentators citing the killing of ten Burmese Muslims by ethnic Rakhine after the rape and murder of a Rakhine woman as the main cause. Over three hundred houses and a number of public buildings have been razed. As of June 13, officially there have been 21 casualties^[2], although some reports put the actual number as high as 30.^[3] The government has responded by imposing curfews and by deploying troops in the regions. On June 10, state of emergency was declared in Rakhine, allowing military to participate in administration of the region.^[4]^[5]

Background

Sectarian clashes occur sporadically in Rakhine State, often between the majority Buddhist Rakhine people and sizable minority Rohingya Muslim.^[6] Officially, the Rohingya are classified as recent immigrants to Burma, and thus not eligible for citizenship. Some historians argue that the group dates back centuries while others say that it emerges as a campaigning force last century.^[6] According to the United Nations, the Rohingya are one of the world's most persecuted minorities.^[6] Elaine Pearson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division said "All those years of discrimination, abuses and neglect are bound to bubble up at some point, and that's what we are seeing now."^[7]
On the evening of May 28, a group of three Muslims including two Rohingyas, robbed, raped and murdered an ethnic Rakhine woman, Ma Thida Htwe, near the Kyaut Ne Maw village. The police arrested three suspects and sent them to Yanbyal township jail. On June 4, a mob attacked a bus in Taungup, apparently believing those responsible for the murder were on board.^[8] Ten Muslims were killed in the reprisal attack,^[9] prompting protests by Burmese Muslims in the commercial capital, Yangon. The government responded by appointing a minister and a senior police chief to head an investigation committee. The committee was ordered to find out "cause and instigation of the incident" and to pursue legal action.^[10]

Riots

June 8: Initial attacks

“	We can confirm so far that about 386 houses were burned down... and some buildings were also destroyed by Rohingyas.	”
—Government official^[11]

Despite increased security measures, at 3:50 pm June 8, a large mob of Rohingya ignited several houses in Bohmu Village, Maungdaw Township. Telephone lines were also damaged.^[12] By the evening, Hmuu Zaw, a high ranking officer, reported that the security forces were protecting 14 burnt villages in Maungdaw township. Around 5:30, the forces were authorized to use deadly force but they fired mostly warning shots according to local media.^[3]^[12] Soon afterward, authorities declared that the situation in Maungdaw Township had been stabilized. However, three villages of southern Maungdaw were torched in early evening. At 9 o'clock, the government imposed curfew in Maungdaw, forbidding any gathering of more than five persons in public area. An hour later, the rioters had a police outpost in Khayay Mying Village surrounded. The police fired warning shots to disperse them.^[3] At 10 o'clock, armed forces had taken positions in Maungdaw. Five people had been confirmed killed as of June 8.^[13]

June 9: Riots spread

Security forces approach rioters as they burn remnants of a demolished house.

On the morning of June 9, five army battalions arrived to reinforce the existing security forces. Government set up refugee camps for those whose houses had been burned. Government reports stated that Relief and Resettlement Ministry and Ministry of Defense had distributed 3.3 tons of supplies and 2 tons of clothes respectively.^[14]
Despite increased security presence, the riots continued unabated. Security forces successfully prevented rioters' attempt to torch five quarters of Maungdaw. However, Rakhine villagers from Buthidaung Township arrived at refugee camps after their houses had been razed. Soon after, soldiers took positions and anti-riot police patrolled in the township. According to local media, rioters burned their own houses in hope that fire would spread to neighboring houses.^[15] The rioters marched to Sittwe and burned down three houses in Mingan quarter. An official report stated that at least 7 people had been killed, one hostel, 17 shops and over 494 houses had been destroyed as of June 9.^[14]
A student from Government Technological College was murdered in the morning.^{[citation needed]} It is unclear whether the murder has any relation with the riots.

June 10: State of emergency

On June 10, a state of emergency was declared across Rakhine.^[6] According to state TV, the order was given in response to "unrest and terrorist attacks" and "intended to restore security and stability to the people immediately."^[6] President Thein Sein added that further unrest could threaten the country's moves toward democracy.^[16] It was the first time that the current government used the provision. It instigated martial law, giving the military administrative control of the region.^[6] The move was criticized by Human Rights Watch, who accused the government of handing control over to a military which has historically brutalized people in the region.^[17]
Also on June 10, according to the Rohingya, "a 12-year-old girl who went for routine shopping was shot to death by police." The claim cannot be independently verified.^[16] Some ethnic Rakhine burned Rohingya houses in Bohmu village in retaliation.^[18]
Over five thousand people were residing at refugee camps by June 10.^[19] Many of the refugees fled to Sittwe to escape the rioting, overwhelming local officials.^[16]

June 11

On June 11, riot police were able to calm the violence.^[16] Meanwhile, The United Nations began to relocate all non-essential staff and their families from conflict zone. A spokesperson said the move was done due to the state of emergency declaration and "serious disturbances" in the area.^[8] The UN asked for government support to ensure the safety of those being moved from Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Sittwe, but said that their facilities had not come under attack.^[16] A total of 44 staff members and their families were being voluntarily relocated to Rangoon.^[8]^[16]
To date, the official death toll during the riots is seven, but many people believe the real number is higher.^[6] According to an official, "The situation could (grow) worse because the numbers of security personnel are pretty small. There's no security personnel in important areas."^[16] Ongoing violence threatens to disrupt Burma's fragile democracy, according to both president Thein Sein and outsiders.^[6]

June 12-13

On June 12, more buildings were set ablaze in Sittwe as many residents throughout Rakhine were relocated.^[20] "Smoke is billowing from many directions and we are scared," said one ethnic Rakhine resident. "The government should send in more security forces to protect [our] communities."^[17] An unnamed government official put the death toll at 25 to date.^[17]
Causalities were officially revised to 21 on June 13.^[2] A top United Nations envoy visited the region affected by the riots. "We're here to observe and assess how we can continue to provide support to Rakhine," said Ashok Nigam, UN humanitarian coordinator.^[2] Meanwhile, Bangladeshi authorities continued to turn away refugees, denying another 140 people entry into their country. To date at least 15 boats and up to 1500 total refugees have been turned away.^[2] Dipu Moni, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, said at a news conference in the capital, Dhaka, that it was not in Bangladesh’s interest to accept any refugees because the impoverished country’s resources already are strained.^[21]

Reactions

Domestic

National League for Democracy – NLD has appealed the rioters to stop.^[22]
88 Generation Students Group – 88 Generation Students leaders have called the riots "acts of terrorism" and acts that have "nothing to do with Islam, Buddhism, nor any other religion."^[23]
All Myanmar Islam Association – All Myanmar Islam Association, the largest Islam association in Myanmar, has condemned the "terrorizing and destruction of lives and property of innocent people", declaring that "the perpetrators must be held accountable by law."^[24]^[25]

International

Bangladesh – Bangladesh, which borders Burma, increased border security in response to the riots. Numerous boat refugees were turned aside by the Border Guard.^[8]
United States – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday called for "all parties to exercise restraint", adding that "the United States continues to be deeply concerned" about the situation.^[26]^[27]
United Kingdom – Foreign Office minister Jeremy Browne told reporters that he was 'deeply concerned' by the situation and that the UK and other countries would continue to watch developments closely.^[28]